Art Therapy Journal of the American Art Therapy Association A Scoping Review of Creative Art-Based Interventions, Campaigns, and Strategies to Address Gender-Based Violence

This scoping review systematically explores, maps, and assesses how visual arts-based approaches are utilized to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women and girls (VAWG). A total of 21 studies were included. Arts-based engagements span a range of media and processes such as drawing, collage, photo-based engagements, and visual journaling. Theories used were gender-focused frameworks like feminist or social role theory, Social Action Theory, Family Systems Framework, and Transnational Feminist Mapping. Studies demonstrated positive outcomes for arts-based interventions addressing GBV. These included increased mental well-being, self-esteem, hope, improved self-expression, confidence, reduced hostility, and empathy. Social research and creative arts are intertwined and foster individual and community care to address the problems of GBV and VAWG.